New commercial fish farm (net pen) management tools being are developed by the Department of Ecology:
Provide your input on project scoping by March 4
Washington’s 30-year old management guidelines for commercial, marine fish farms (net pens) are getting an overhaul. (This is not about whether net pens are to be allowed or not, it’s about updating best practices management of the pens).
Ecology has partnered with the state departments of Fish & Wildlife and Agriculture, and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science to write new management recommendations useful for the industry and coastal managers – including state and local government regulators.
The project is designed to provide up-to-date information on this use and better understand the concern of citizens. Results will help ensure any new facilities are sited and operated consistent with current science and modern management practices. It is not designed to determine whether or not future net pens will be allowed (See Frequently Asked Questions).
The planning team is just getting started, and they want your input
The multi-year project is just getting underway and you are invited to provide input on early decisions made by the project team. Two documents are available for review and comment.
- A summary of draft scoping decisions that describes early decisions made by the team regarding:
- Geographic and topical scope
- Scientific and technical review
- Outreach and opportunities for interested parties to influence the outcome
- A writing outline that will guide the project team through fact-finding and identification of suitable safeguards and management practices. The team is especially interested in feedback on topics you would like to see addressed in the final document.
View and download these documents on the project website.
Comments accepted now through March 4.
Submit input to:
Ms. Cedar Bouta
Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program
WA Dept. of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Lacey, WA 98504-7600.
Email: Cedar.Bouta@ecy.wa.gov
Visit the project webpage to learn more.
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Filed under: Aquaculture, Puget Sound | Tagged: Net Pens Aquaculture, Puget Sound |
